The crowd erupted in loud, sustained cheers just before 9:30 p.m. when Brown’s daughter Ayla, a former American Idol competitor, announced that Democratic candidate Martha Coakley had concede the Senate race. She joined the band, singing “Some Kind of Wonderful,” as the crowd cheered. “We’re going to bring the next senator up,” she said. Behind the band, a huge video screen flashed election results and a picture of the dispirited Coakley headquarters.

“He’s speaking a message that resonates with people,” said Brown supporter David Williams, a research consultant from Salem. The Democratic health bill angered people, he said, and Brown is “sending a message that they can’t just ram this stuff through. It needs to be debated. It needs to be open and transparent.”

The scene was triumphant. With Massachusetts sports legend Doug Flutie playing the drums, a rock band banged out oldies, drawing a roar when they launched into the Monkees song, “I’m a Believer.”

“I want a change,” said Sandra Maloney, a 66-year-old interior designer from Brookline. She said neither party should control both Massachusetts Senate seats for so long. “I want checks and balances.”

John McKenna, 61, an attorney from Somerville, said Massachusetts is sending a message to Democrats across the country. “It doesn’t matter how safe you think your seat is,” he said, voicing anger at the Democratic establishment. “Crooks and thieves are in charge.”

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.